THE Scottish Maritime Museum has announced festive family activities at this year’s Christmas Market, which returns bigger than ever this weekend.

The Christmas Market, which is free to enter and extends over three days for the first time, will take place from Friday, November 2 to Sunday, December 1.

The weekend, which will take place in the Museum’ Linthouse and Courtyard on Irvine Harbourside, will begin with an evening market from 3pm – 8pm this Friday then open between 11am and 4pm over the weekend.

There will be additional highlights for families on Sunday.

During the day, younger visitors will get the chance to meet Santa, give him their Christmas wish list and receive a small gift. Visits to Santa will take place 11am to 1pm and 1.30pm to 3.30pm.

Children will also be able to fire their imagination crafting Christmas decorations to put up on their Christmas tree. Sessions will run hourly from 11am.

The Linthouse will also ring to the sound of local choirs on Sunday with Coast Harmony at 11am and Whitehirst Park Primary School at 2pm. 

Tickets for the children’s crafting cost £3.50 per child and tickets for Santa cost £3.50 per child. Tickets will be available at the visitor reception on the day on a first, come first served basis.

A Light Parade around the Harbourside will also take place at 6pm on Friday. 

The parade, which will assemble at Cunninghame House Car Park (next to Marress House) from 5.30pm, will culminate with a light show against the Museum’s historic Linthouse building and entertainment alongside the Christmas evening market.

On Saturday, thanks to a Regional Food Fund award and the support of Ayrshire Food an’ a' That, visitors will enjoy lively chef demonstrations and a food market showcasing produce from across the region.